Obituary

Sue Elaine Joe, or Suzi, as she rebranded herself sometime in the 90’s, was born on July 24, 1944 in Amarillo, Texas and shocked us all by leaving us on February 25,2021. Graveside service will be held at 2:00 p.m. on Wednesday, March 3, 2021 in Plainview Memorial Park.

She was born with an abundance of brothers, under the stars of a lion, a wooden monkey, and a Roosevelt (the one with the wheelchair and New Deal, not the one with a gun and a canal). Aunt Suzi was also born with cerebral palsy during a time when society was starting to change the way it viewed people with disabilities and effortlessly delighted every dog who was lucky enough to meet her. She was a sweet, curious child who could throw a temper tantrum to rival the atomic bomb. These qualities were steadfast throughout her entire life. She had a happiness that was rooted in her good fortune to be alive, as a consequence, she uncontrollably smiled at everyone and everything. Under the guidance and protection of her brothers she set about discovering all that Amarillo Texas had to offer in the 1940’s. So, naturally, she buried herself in books. Literature transported her to another time, dimension, and into a surrogate body. She allowed her literary travels to take her all over the world that she couldn’t experience on her own. The phrase “Once Upon a Time in a Land Far Away” made her tingle with excitement and possibility. Inevitably, she soon understood the value of writing things herself. Unfortunately, some people didn’t have the time or patience to listen to her speak, so she learned that writing was an easy way to communicate. Suzi preferred a pencil. She had no use for ink, as she wanted the freedom to edit the unsuitable bits. Suzi snapped more pencil lead in her life than any other human and rarely needed an eraser. Aunt Suzi was fearless. She never said “no” to an adventure, no matter how large or small. Whether it be braving 5th Street to visit the book store, learning to drive a car, going to the beach, an blockbuster movie or delving into an unfamiliar literary genre, Suzi was always hungry for something new and enjoyed every experience she had on earth with an admirable gusto and verve. She had an eye for art and music, pointillism and John Denver enthralled her endlessly. She had an affection for furry critters, fancy dress and an occasional glass of good wine. Suzi leaves behind four devastated brothers and a lot of family. Among the list of people who are suddenly lost without her are: Tom and Connie Joe of Plainview, Texas. Their son Freddy, his wife Su, their daughter Maddy and their dog who live in Porland, Oregon. Their daughter Kim and her husband Skip and The Neighbor’s Dog who live in Coppell, Texas for now. Lee and Eugenie Joe of Frisco, Texas. Their son, Brian Lee Joe, also lives in Frisco with his wife Heidi and they have three girls Elayne, Ilyena, and Kaitlyn. Johnnie Joe, her best friend, tireless caretaker, media supervisor, secretary, and chauffeur and most staunch supporter mourns her from their home on Jefferson Drive in Plainview, Texas. Larry Joe and his partner Steve Springfield of Kessler Park in Dallas, Texas. Her beloved Arizona cousins, Cathay and Betty and all their wonderful kin. Suzi was a true inspiration to all these poor people who were lucky enough to have known her and who are devastated that she’s gone. She changed the way we saw the world. There wasn’t a day that passed that all these people thought of Aunt Suzi and how she taught us all that the measure of a woman is not her earthly form, but what lives inside her heart.